This month it’s going to be all about counting your blessings. In recent months you may have been too focused on what you lack — or what you feel has been missing in your life, But the Star card speaks of putting all that aside while you focus on what you do have.

This is a very calm and peaceful version of the Star card. In it, we see a young Native American woman sitting on the banks of a river, replenishing it from the water in her vessel.

She sits with her eyes closed and her feet dangling comfortably in the water. A large white star shines above her to the right, while seven smaller stars, in the colors of the rainbow are lined up on the left.

There are elements of tolerance and acceptance here too. The gentle imagery of the young woman in Native garb coupled with the rainbow stars act as symbolic reminders that the world is full of different kinds of people and all of them belong here. Even the act of pouring water into the stream reminds us of how important it is to “give back.”

As the New Year begins, think about resolutions you made last year that you didn’t end up keeping. The Star card is full of hope and inspiration but it’s not exactly well grounded. There’s a need to work in order to manifest your dreams, as they’re not about to fall into your lap.

Whether you’re making new resolutions or dusting off the old ones, now is the time to make a commitment to seeing them through. And don’t forget to add a healthy dose of gratitude: in other words, remember to “thank your lucky stars!”

TAURUS: Nine of Cups

If anyone appreciates the finer things in life, it’s you! When you’re in your element, this version of the Nine of Cups could have your name written all over it.

No one’s calling you a lush. But all of the qualities that Taurus is so well known for — luxury, comfort, sensuality. composure, self-indulgence, and tranquility — are so well portrayed here.

Overall this card speaks of getting to where you feel comfortable enough to kick your heels up and start enjoying the fruits of your labors. And while you may not be exactly there just yet, this card indicates a sense of accomplishment and pride in how far you’ve come.

A man leans back contentedly, draping his arms across the what looks like a well-stocked bar. He doesn’t appear to have a care in the world. A large painting of a tastefully concealed nude woman hangs on the wall in the background. Everything about him is relaxed, right down to the trust he places in his rickety chair.

Think about all that you’ve accomplished and all that you’ve acquired. No matter how far you are from realizing your ultimate goals, you’ve earned some time off — or at least a moment of leisure as you appreciate how far you’ve come.

GEMINI: Death

Don’t be afraid of the Death card — it doesn’t refer to a literal “death.” It’s an indication that there’s something in your life that is time to put to rest.. or “put out to pasture” in keeping with the Prairie theme.

Think about what is no longer serving you — whether that’s something literal, such as a relationship that’s run its course, or something more figurative, such as outdated ideas or belief systems.

Sometimes the Universe shows us just what we don’t need by removing it from us forcefully. In this sense the “death” can be a painful undertaking. But if you choose instead to cooperate, it can be an incredibly liberating experience.

In this rendition of the card, we see an old man getting ready to bury the remains of an ancient decaying bird. Perhaps this is a symbolic reference to something he’s held onto for too long — the carrion appears to be picked clean. But this is no casual event: he’s dressed for the occasion and stands in solemn reverence as he prepares for the task at hand.

Whatever it is you need to let go of, there’s no time like the present. Remember that the Universe does not appreciate a vacuum and will replenish whatever it is you’re leaving behind. As you close one door another one opens, so be willing to take that final step.

CANCER: Three of Swords

You’ve may be reeling this month from some sort of emotional upheaval that’s left you feeling abandoned or rejected. This is not an easy card, nor is the experience it refers to something that anyone looks forward to going through.

But it’s a necessary experience, in the sense that it’s the culmination of a loss that’s been building for some time. Even though it can feel like a shock to the system, chances are good that you’ve sensed something was on the horizon anyway and are just now having to deal with the backlash.

In this version of the card, we see a shabby paper heart stuck to a tree by three puny swords. The tree itself doesn’t look to be in good shape — even though the leaves are green, they’re drying up and falling to the ground.

The Three of Swords in general refers to feelings of sadness, loneliness, suffering and pain.The classic interpretation involves a breakup: something (or someone) has been lost that cannot be regained. It can also refer to unrequited love, the loss of a friendship, or the realization that something you’d hoped for is just not going to manifest.

But if you look at it within the context of the imagery in this card, you can see that it never was “real” in the first place. The heart is made of paper, the swords are flimsy. Even the tree has seen better days.

Cancers feel everything so deeply anyway, and what might be experienced as a minor upset for others will likely feel like a knife in the heart for you. So try to see this for what it was and be grateful that it’s over. You can make the best of it by choosing to pin your hopes instead on something more substantial.

LEO: Seven of Cups:

You may be considering several different options this month and feel uncertain about the value in any of them. The Seven of Cups speaks of ideas that are floating around — some of them unformed and some of them unrealistic — as you weigh the different opportunities that are before you.

This can refer to business ventures that you’re considering now, or it can relate to pie-in-the-sky dreams you’ve entertained off and on for years. Either way, the presumption is that nothing has been done about any of them and precious time may be wasted day-dreaming about things that you’ve put no effort into manifesting.

In this version of the card we see a man gazing hypnotically at 7 brightly colored goblets. None of them have anything in them — which should be his first clue that there’s a problem.There’s a blank canvas behind them and some type of elixir at his feet.

There are elements of fantasy inherent in the imagery of this card. And we all know how easy it is to get distracted by such pretty things. But chances are good that some of them are unattainable and none of them have been particularly well thought out.

“What would I do if I had the resources to do anything I wanted?” would be a good question to ask yourself right now. Think about that and then pull all those scattered ideas into making that one dream a reality.

VIRGO: Ace of Cups

You may feel as though your Cup is running over this month — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Ace of Cups is a card of promise and opportunity, a new or fresh perspective that is mirrored right back to you by the Universe.

All Aces are related to new and unformed energy. So even if it does manifest as something material for you — a new romantic interest or some form of external validation for example — the bottom line is that it creates a “feel good” energy which reverberates throughout your very being. As this is the Ace of Cups, and Cups refer to emotions, intuition and feelings, it’s likely to manifest on one of these levels.

In this version of the card, we see three brightly-colored birds at a bird bath. One bathes in it, one perches on the sire and the third one is coming in for a landing.

Think of how many opportunities you have — some you may not have yet considered (hence the bird on its way in). This card represents opportunities for happiness and fulfillment. It speaks of fertility, birth, newness and promise.

Like the three birds depicted on this card, there’s a sense of joy and appreciation for all that has been provided for you. This month — and every day — is ripe with potential and opportunity. What you make of it — and how open you are to the possibilities before you — is entirely up to you!

LIBRA: Wheel of Fortune

This month marks a turning point for you, courtesy of the natural cycles of life.

We know that there are up times and down times and most of us are striving for the former while desperately trying to avoid the latter. And the Wheel of Fortune in most spreads (particularly when it’s dignified or right side up) refer to an UP cycle or positive turn of events.

There are elements of karma and fate inherent in this card, We do reap what we sew even if it’s not always evident. In this sense, the Wheel of Fortune represents the Universe’s cumulative response to everything you’ve put out there. In this rendition of the card, we see a giant windmill, with brightly rainbow-colored blades.

The colors are laid out progressively and blend into one another, so that there really is no beginning or end. Each step leads to the next, just as it is in life.

It’s important to see how all of our actions lead to what we think of as “destiny” rather than viewing life as just a series of random events.

You won’t want to just accept whatever ‘fate” hands you — instead you’ll need to go about creating your own destiny through the hermetic principles of ‘as above, so below.’ The first step toward doing that is to take an inventory of what is working for you now and what is not. It’s up to you to change it.

SCORPIO: The Magician

You may opportunities this month to show the rest of the world just what it is you’re made of.

The Magician card — in this deck portrayed by an old-style vaudeville magician — is so skilled at whatever he puts his mind to, that he can do it with his eyes closed (or in this case a pair of darkened glasses). It’s all about concentration and mastery.

In this version of the card, we see the Magician demonstrating all of the qualities he possesses — skill (pentacles), ingenuity (swords), creativity (wands) and intuition (cups). He stands before a table with all of his tools, ready to perform “magic.”

Similarly, you’ll want to become more aware of the tools that you possess naturally that can be honed and fine tuned into something magnificent. You may also start noticing magic happening to you — in the form of unexpected events or synchronicities. Don’t chalk it all up to dumb luck though: see it instead as confirmation from the Universe that you’re on the right path.

While there are also elements of trickery and sleight of hand, the proper manifestation of this energy is to funnel it into something that can be mastered.

Every one of us has something that we’re so passionate about — and properly channeled, This can be your calling. It’s all about making the best and most powerful use of that thing that makes you YOU. Like the Magician, you’ll need to realize that the ultimate power and control over your life are in your own hands.

SAGITTARIUS: 5 of Pentacles:

You may be feeling a little less secure this month — at least financially. It’s possible you over-indulged over the holidays, or you may have run into some unexpected bills that are causing you to have to tighten your purse strings this month.

The Five of Pentacles can feel very much like being left out in the cold — just like the imagery in this version of the card. We see two figures trudging through the snow: do either of them notice that there’s a building — which could surely provide them with the warmth and sustenance they need — right there behind them? Or for that matter do they realize that there’s another person who could not only help but could potentially join forces in warding off the elements?

This is the essence of the Five of Pentacles. It refers to “help” that is right there for the asking, if only you weren’t so reluctant to ask.

Often this card is about money, but not always. it has to do with values in general, including how much value you place on yourself. How you’re feeling about yourself and your worthiness when it comes to needing others. And there can be feelings of shame and embarrassment — or fear of being rejected — associated with reaching out for help.

You who are known for being generous — with your time, money, friendship, and readiness to lend a hand to anyone who needs it — may have to call in a favor or your own this month. Don’t let your fears stand in the way.

CAPRICORN: The Sun

This month should have you feeling especially “alive.” The Sun card refers to a period where things seem to be going well for you — or maybe it’s just that your attitude has you focusing on what’s right in the world for a change.

You’re optimistic about the future: perhaps you’ve made New Years resolutions that you expect to keep this time around.

Or you could be doing better financially, feeling better about your health, seeing your relationship in a new light, etc.

In this version of the card, we see young boy riding bareback through a field of sunflowers. The Sun shines brightly in the sky while the horse trots along with a steady gate, He’s clearly in his element.

So comfortable is he on the back of his horse that he doesn’t even need a saddle or reins (or shoes for that matter). His hat is long gone.

This is one of the best versions of the Sun card ever. You can just feel his exuberance and you know he’s on the right path.

Along with the happy, optimistic and free-spirited energy in this card, the New Moon also takes place in your sign this month — on the 1st. In keeping with the Sun card this is all about anticipation, enthusiasm and a fresh new start.

AQUARIUS: The Hanged Man:

You may feel that your life is on hold at present. You could be frustrated over something that’s taken too long to materialize or a sense that nothing is really happening for you despite your best efforts.

The Hanged man refers to a time when the Universe puts road blocks in your path — often for your own good. You may have been running at a break-neck pace, never stopping to look at what you’ve accomplished.

Or you may have found yourself losing steam over a project that just hasn’t panned out. Either way, it may be time to put things on hold — at least long enough to evaluate your commitment.

This is also true of relationships. Whether you’re in an established relationship (or just exploring an interest in one), it could also be time to take a step back from that as well.

This is one of the more ominous-appearing versions of the Hanged Man I’ve seen. It shows a shirtless Native American figure strung up in heat of the Sun, He’s gaunt and skeletal, and at first glance appears to be dead. But we can see one fist clenched in what could be defiance.

The Hanged Man often refers to delays and sacrifices. When it does, you can bet they’re necessary. Trust that there’s a reason — even if it’s not readily apparent — as the reasons will reveal themselves to you in time.

PISCES: The World

This month you may feel like you’re nearing the end of one important cycle and preparing to embark on another. The World card (called the Universe in some decks) is is a card of celebration — in the sense of being able to look over what you’ve accomplished and how much you’ve gained in the process.

In this respect, a part of what you’ve gained may be wisdom and knowledge — meaning that even the bumps along the way are productive. This card provides an overview of both how far you’ve come and the steps that need to be taken in order to tie up any loose ends as you prepare to start a new cycle.

In this version of the card,. we see a graceful young acrobat balancing precariously on a tightrope. She’s midway across, not looking down, but you can bet that she’s aware of all the dangers surrounding her in her peripheral vision.

Most decks have symbols depicting the 4 fixed signs in these corner positions. But here they’re clearly totems. It’s as though she’s aware that she has the assistance of something greater than herself along the way.

The World card is a card of both fulfillment and completion. With that in mind, it’s time to put the finishing touches on projects that are almost finished, and also time to rest anything that just didn’t pan out for you. You’re preparing to start a whole new journey, and in doing so will want to with as clean a slate as possible.

JANUARY 2014 Tarot Scopes

PRAIRIE TAROTThe Prairie Tarot series is designed and illustrated by the phenomenal artist Robin Ator. Used by generous permission. This deck is also available for IPhone, IPad and Ipod Touch.

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